Apirak Kosayothin edit
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Apirak Kosayothin edit
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Apirak Kosayothin (Thai: อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน, Chinese: 李勝利 Li Shengli, born March 30, 1961) is a former Thai business executive and governor of Bangkok. In the gubernational elections on August 29, 2004 he won 40% of the votes. He was re-elected on October 6, 2008, in the gubernatorial elections with 45% of the votes, but was forced to resign a month later after being indicted on charges of corruption.
Born in Nonthaburi in a Thai Chinese family,12 he studied at Triam Udom Suksa School and Chiang Mai University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Food Science and Technology in 1983. Beginning his professional career at the Thai branch of Pizza Hut, he worked at several companies as manager and director. 2002-2004 he was among other posts CEO of TA Orange (currently known as True Move) and member of the Board of Directors of the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
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In 2004 the Democratic Party nominated him as their candidate for the Bangkok governor election, which he won gaining 40% of all votes. Paveena Hongsakul, an independent candidate with the unofficial support of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party, came in second-place with 16% of the vote.
Critics have noted the lack of tangible impact Apirak had in his role as city governor.3 Some policies, for instance "smart" traffic signs and bus stops flopped and his Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has yet to come into service. However, he was much lauded for being able to push the extension of Skytrain routes, which are currently under-construction. Another notable project Apirak has been successful in implementing is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre at Pathumwan intersection which opened in 2008.
After two years in office, poll respondents gave him high marks for diligence and dedication to work. But he received the lowest marks for seeing projects through to completion. His traffic and transport initiatives also received flunking marks. Overall, 57% of Bangkokians felt he had met expectations.4
Apirak's so-called smart taxi stops were met with derision. The 150 stops were in operation since October 2005 looked like bus stops. When people are waiting in one a red light becomes visible to nearby cabs. If no taxis are passing would-be passengers can press a button and a call centre directs cabs to the stand. A BMA study found that the stops had a success rate of a mere 38.6%. Although 189,549 smart taxis had been hailed, just 73,168 of them reported picking up passengers, the study found. Numerous stops went totally unused.5 However, Apirak's smart traffic signs have been a mild success giving motorists more information with regards to the traffic conditions ahead and has been mild relief from the stress of traffic.
The military junta's Assets Examination Committee (AEC) did not charge Apirak over the controversial purchase of fire-fighting equipment for the city. Sithichok Rawdkrutha, an AEC member, lodged a complaint with AEC Chairman Nam Yimyaem over the decision and noted that he suspected Apirak of dereliction of duty or malfeasance for giving the nod to the purchase, for which he allegedly received 500 million baht in kickbacks.6 Apirak has protested his innocence by pointing to the fact that the deal was originally signed by the former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej. Apirak claims to have been forced by the ex-governor's agreement to continue the project.
Despite the hanging allegations Apirak won re-election on the 5 October 2008 with 45% of the vote or 991,018 of the votes cast.
On the 11 November 2008 the National Counter Corruption Commission announced that Apirak was indicted together with other officials including former Governor and Prime Minister Samak. 7 On the 13 Apirak announced in front of television cameras his resignation saying: "Like the Democrat Party, I support a move that will perpetuate politics-for-people," he continued "I have complete confidence in my innocence. I am ready to see my case go through the judicial system. I am confident that I will receive justice in the end,". Abhisit Vejjajiva Leader of the Democrat party was quoted saying: "Apirak's decision set a standard many people want to see in Thai politics. It's praiseworthy and he deserves moral support from society,"8 His resignation immediately set out a by-election for the next governor. Currently he is retired from politics.
| Preceded by Samak Sundaravej |
Governor of Bangkok 2004–2008 |
Succeeded by Incumbent |